ANDREW MCFARLANE - RIP

FORMER world motocross number two Andrew McFarlane died as tragedy struck the Australian championship. McFarlane suffered severe head injuries in a practice lap crash as riders prepared for round three of the series in Victoria. Paramedics spent almost an hour trying to revive the 33-year-old Queenslander but he died at the track at the State Motorcycle Sports Complex in Broadford, north of Melbourne.

Event manager Kevin Williams released a short statement on the event's live web feed.

“Ladies and gentlemen, it is with great regret that we announce the passing of one of our own - Andrew McFarlane,” Williams said.

Following a meeting, fellow riders rode three laps in each class in honour of the man who finished second on the world championship circuit in 2005 before the day's racing was cancelled.

McFarlane is survived by his wife Natalie and their young daughter.

As the news filtered through professional motocross riders paid tribute to McFarlane, who returned to Australia last year after nine years competing on the world motocross circuit in Europe and the United States.

US-based Australian motocross star Chad Reed was distressed by the news.

“I was just talking to Chad Reed a little while ago and he's extremely upset,” said Reed's manager Matt Cousins.

“He and his wife spent a lot of time with him and Natalie in the States and that's really blown everyone away.

“He had an illustrious career across three continents, a beautiful wife and daughter and I guess that's where everyone's thoughts are right now.”

American motocross riders Sean Hamblin and Mike Sleeter posted tributes on their twitter feeds.

“Gone but never forgotten bud! Prayers for the family now!” wrote Hamblin.

Motorcycling Australia and Victoria Police both launched investigations into the accident.

McFarlane was placed fifth in the Australian series ahead of last Sunday's event and the event's website said McFarlane was expected to retire from racing after the 2010 season.

“I've been very fortunate in my career,” McFarlane said on the site.

“I've raced in Russia, all over Europe, Japan, and the Unites States, it's been an awesome experience and after 27 years I have a lot of knowledge and experience to share.”

Cousins said motorsport by its nature carried inherent risks.

“It's a dangerous sport, every form of motorsport is dangerous,” Cousins said.

“We race V8 Supercars every other week and we've had deaths, we've had serious injuries, it's a part of the game we play unfortunately.”

source: www.mxlarge.com & www.mxnationals.com.au